What's With This Weather?

But seriously, what is with this weather? I don't ever remember seeing this much cold, snow, rain, sleet, and misery rolled into one season! People complaining about the weather via social media, horrible, disastrous news stories, and just downright depressing attitudes seem to have everyone in a real funk right now. Question is, what can we do about it? Obviously, we can't do anything to control the weather, but we can certainly do more than a few things to help cheer each other up. Now's a better time than any to let the ones that are closest to you know how much they mean to you. Try to put a smile on someone's face wherever you go. It will make a huge difference in the way that person's day is going. Lend a hand! If you see someone in trouble, stuck in the snow or slipping and falling on some ice, help them out! What goes around comes around, and if you can do one little thing to spread some positivity around, it will come back to you when you need it. Maybe you can even stop in to your local Adpro location and say "Hi". We sure would love some company on these cold days. Even if you're just here for the free coffee, we appreciate the patronage. So be happy, stay positive, and most importantly, stay safe on the streets and in your cars until this all blows over. It will be Spring before we know it. Or will it ever come? Where's that Groundhog anyway...

OCEAN TODAY ARTICLE

Family Owned and Operated Adpro Imprints, Inc. Provides Unparalleled Personal Service, the Highest Quality Printed Apparel & Promotional Products, and the Latest in “Green” Printing Technology

“It’s important to recognize the changing needs of our customers and be willing to grow to better serve them and the community,” said Adpro Imprints co-owner, Peter Demaree, Jr. “In 2010 we improved our computer and database systems, experimented with environmentally safe printing and cleaning products and are looking to expand our operations in 2011. For us, 2010 was a very good year.”

Part of what made 2010 such a good year was upgrading to a new computer system. “Our new computer system is called Shop Works and it is a database driven system that was designed by professionals in our industry,” said co-owner Anthony “Luis” Lugo. “Our order entry is faster and more efficient and with more data storage we can customize more effectively. Ultimately, Shop Works allows us to provide our customers with a much higher level of service and that’s what we constantly strive to do.”

A family owned and operated business for the last 28 years, Adpro Imprints is a full service marketing company specializing in corporate and casual apparel, promotional products, screen printing, embroidery, full custom graphic design, digital printing, offset printing, business stationary, signs & banners, vehicle lettering, greeting cards and full color digital copies.

“Not only do we want to provide our customers with great products and services, we also want our employees to have a safe and comfortable work place and do our part to keep the environment and our community safe,” said Demaree. “To that end we have been making the transition to becoming a completely “green” business.” To date, Adpro Imprints uses only soy and plant based cleaning products and solvents. “We use a water based adhesive in printing that can literally go right down the sink without hurting the environment and we have been experimenting with water based inks,” added Demaree. Currently the printing industry as a whole is working on becoming 100% phthalate free which is a chemical derived from oil and used in ink.

“Even though we are always looking at new ways to grow with our customers, it’s important to us to remain small enough to provide the individual service they have come to expect,” said Demaree. “It is what makes us stand apart from the crowd, and what helps us remain at the forefront of an increasingly competitive marketplace. We now employ 15 full & part time employees who are truly family. The majority of our work is done in house so that we have complete control over every aspect of a project.” Over the years Adpro has built a solid reputation for quality work, excellent service and guaranteed delivery. Any outsourced work only goes to prescreened, top quality vendors who meet Adpro’s standards.

“Our company has been utilizing Adpro for almost three years,” said Crystal James, ILS Manager of R4 Incorporated. “They have provided us with short sleeved & long sleeved t-shirts, polo shirts, fleeces, coveralls (hot & cold weather), coats, gloves, hats, and all types of other promotional items. During this time we have received nothing but the best customer service. The staff at Adpro goes above and beyond to meet the needs of R4 Incorporated. No matter when we call they are willing and able to get what we need from their vendor(s) and embroider them in a very expeditious manner. Our employees in Iraq and Afghanistan love the quality of work that they provide and constantly ask for the link to ADPRO so they can order other items on their own. Adpro, thank you for providing such excellent service to our company."

"I have worked with Peter and the Adpro Imprints team now on a number of occasions,” said John Braun of Signature Safety, LLC. “From t-shirts, to embroidered golf shirts, to hardhat decals, everything was completed in the highest quality, in a timely manner, and with friendly service. Not to mention, the prices were great! Not only do I plan on continuing to use Adpro, I have already recommended them to a number of colleagues who have since begun using Adpro as their exclusive provider, based on their satisfaction with the service and product. "

"Over the past 5 years, ADPRO Imprints has been providing my retail business with fine quality, t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, signs and more,” said Kay Harris of Asbury Galleria. “In addition to their great printed work, the quality of their embroidery work is excellent as well. I couldn’t be more satisfied. Their prices are great and their work is always delivered on time. I’ll never need to look elsewhere. Even more importantly, I don’t think you will find another supplier who can provide the level of personalized attention given by Luis, Peter and all of the staff from the front office to back office. Thank you, Adpro. I am looking forward to many more years of doing business with you. Keep those t- shirts coming!”

“We take on any size job,” said Luis. “Whether it’s one t-shirt or 50,000, we treat each order with special care. We like to consider ourselves a marketing one stop shop. We want to help you promote your business. Our in house graphic designer, Jessica Sharon, is probably one of the best designers in the business.” Jim Pagano of JF Kiely Construction Company commented, "Pete, Luis and their staff are professionals in every sense of the word. No matter what the design requirements, quantities, or material, Adpro delivers. Their service and turn around time is exceptional. I have been ordering my shirts from Adpro for the past 4 years and will continue to do so."

Both Demaree and Lugo say their success is also due to the support of their families. Demaree resides in Ocean with his wife, Cheryl , 4 year old daughter Madison and 1 year old son, Weiland. Lugo resides in Long Branch with his wife, Ruth, sons, 8 year old Michael and 2 year old Dominic and 5 year old daughter, Naomi.

“Adpro has been a fixture in our community for three decades, founded on the concept of continually exceeding our customer's expectations,” said Demaree. “We do that by constantly improving our systems to deliver the best product at the most competitive price.”

For more information about Adpro visit their website at www.adproimprints.com or visit one of their convenient retail showrooms.

Adpro Imprints, Inc.

1206 Rt. 35 South
Ocean, NJ, 07712
732.531.2133
732.531.2142 fax
info@adproimprints.com

5103 Rt. 33/34
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
732.938.5225
732.938.5224 fax
john@adproimprints.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

THE SECRET OF SUCCESSFUL TRICK-OR-TREATING

The colors of fall are at their peak. Oranges, reds, yellows and greens jump
at us from the trees as shafts of sunlight illuminate the sky’s canvas. I
absolutely love this time of year; the brisk cool breezes, Indian summer
days, chilly rain- I love them all. Just being outdoors renews our
enthusiasm and refreshes our entire being.

As I was taking a walk yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t help but to think
about Halloween and how great it is that it’s on the weekend this year. My kids
and kids everywhere will be able to soak in everything that fall has to
offer that day, and get treats just for dressing up. And then that’s when
the idea for this month’s newsletter hit me (well, that and another
newsletter I subscribe to): Halloween should be a national holiday, or at
the very least a national sales holiday. Because if you think about it,
trick or treaters are really salespeople in disguise.

1. Trick or treaters dress for success.

2. The most effective trick or treaters plan their routes wisely to maximize
their time in the field.

3. The most successful trick or treaters start early and work late.

4. The most successful trick or treaters ask for the order! (Trick or
Treat?)

5. The most successful trick or treaters network to find out where the best
treats are to be found.

6. It’s a night filled with cold calling.

7. Savvy treaters have been known to try to ask for their fair share, wait a
while, and return for an up sell.

8. If you want to make more treats, you have to make more calls.

9. Smart treaters always say thank you.

10. At the end of the day, if you didn’t get all the treats you wanted, you
only have yourself to blame.

I have to give credit where it’s due, so thank you very much for this list
Andy Dix by way of Jeffrey Gitomer's newsletter.

The list is very funny to read because of the truth behind the message; If
you want more treats, knock on more doors.

Go get 'em!

Happy Halloween!

John Zalepka
Adpro Imprints, Inc.

SCHOOL IS IN SESSION

At last! This brutally hot summer is coming to an end (we'll be kicking ourselves for having these thoughts while shoveling 2 feet of icy snow from our driveways). The end of the summer also indicates our kids will be headed back to school next week. That means we need to shop for school supplies, clothing, and in some case uniforms Can you believe that some school districts are making preschoolers wear uniforms?! In any case, we're here to help. Just stop in to see your favorite company (US!), and we can show you what we have to offer. From basic polo shirts to French Toast brand uniform styles, we have dozens of clothing options available. We also have thousands of options for branded items, from pens and pencils to notepads and binders in case you want to donate supplies to the schools. I'm sure they would appreciate the help, and you'll be promoting your company/organization at the same time. In the meantime, enjoy the peace and quiet, and have a great September!

Adpro Imprints Receives 2010 Best of Ocean Award

NEW YORK, NY, July 14, 2010 -- Adpro Imprints has been selected for the 2010 Best of Ocean Award in the Embroidering Machines category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

STOP THE PRESSES!

Just kidding =) But I will say that after having a banner month, I wouldn't mind at least one day to relax...or visit my chiropractor (Dr. Buono in Tinton Falls- a great guy. Or Dr. Ari Cohn if you're in the Princeton area). Thanks to everyone who came in to place their orders this May, helping to make it Adpro's busiest month on record (we keep all our records, so lets just call it our busiest month ever)! To show our appreciation, and to see if any of our customers out there are actually reading these rants I shoot into cyberspace, mention this blog and receive 20% off ANY REORDER placed between now and the end of July. If Luis, John, Courtney, Jess, or Jeremy don't believe you, just tell them to "call Peter". They probably will still think you're pulling their leg(s), but I've got your back. Its the least I can do after having ours after all these years. Thanks again for a fantastic May, and I hope we made you happy so we'll see you again!

-Peter

SCREEN PRINTER DAILY ARTICLE

Shop Profile: Adpro Imprints, INC

Today we are on the East Coast and featuring Adpro Imprints, Inc out of Ocean, New Jersey owned by Peter Demaree, Jr and Anthony Lugo. Peter is 33 years old, and lives in Ocean with his wife, Cheryl , 2 year old daughter Madison, and newborn son, Weiland. After graduating from Neptune High School, he went on to receive a Business degree from The College of New Jersey. Anthony is 39 and lives in Long Branch with his wife, Ruth, sons, 6 year old Michael and 1 year old Dominic and 3 year old daughter, Naomi. After graduating from Long Branch High School, he went on to attend Kean University.

Adpro Imprints Ocean, NJ Location

SPD: How many employees including yourself?

Adpro Imprints: 11

SPD: How long have you been in business?

Adpro Imprints: Since 1982.

Adpro Imprints Farmingdale, NJ Location

SPD: What is your average sales per year?

Adpro Imprints: $1.2m

SPD: What services do you offer?

Adpro Imprints: Screen Printing, embroidery, custom in-house graphic design, promotional products, offset printing, vehicle graphics, signs, banners, custom logo & corporate i.d

SPD: What type of Screen Printing and Embroidery equipment do you have in your shop?

Adpro Imprints: (1) 6 color M&R Chameleon, (1) 8 color M&R sportsman, (1) Tajima 4-head, (1) Tajima 2-head

SPD: Where does most of your sales come from (Screen Printing or Embroidery)?

Adpro Imprints: Screen Printing

SPD: What is your biggest customer group?

Adpro Imprints: Nonprofits, schools, construction and landscape contractors.

SPD: What got you interested in this business?

Adpro Imprints: My father started the business in 1982. My partner and I worked for him for a combined 50+ years of experience in different areas.

SPD: What is the absolute coolest job you’ve ever done, or your “claim to fame”?

Adpro Imprints: Most of our work is pretty standard, because that’s what our customer base requires. I guess the coolest job we do every year is the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps. We also outfit a very big customer who trains military personnel to disarm weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’ve always found that pretty interesting.

SPD: What do you do better than your competition?

Adpro Imprints: We’ve always worked on doing as much as we possibly can better than the competition. We’ve had a lot of time to try things out and see what works and what doesn’t. My father always emphasized customer service, so obviously that is very important to us. We’ve also always kept up with the latest technologies and maintained the best equipment in the industry. It allows us to output at a level of quality that a lot of others can’t. In a nutshell, I guess you can say we really care about what we do better than the competition.

Peter Demaree
Adpro Imprints, Inc.
1206 Rt. 35 South
Ocean, NJ 07712
732.531.2133
732.493.8555 shop
732.614.0936 cell
732.493.8582 fax
peter@adproimprints.com
www.adproimprints.com